Viva South Padre Island Menu With Prices 2026 – Full Guide
Are you looking for the complete Viva South Padre Island menu with prices for 2026? You found it. Viva is a waterfront restaurant located at 202 W Whiting St, South Padre Island, TX, and it is widely celebrated for its fresh Gulf seafood, signature tacos, handcrafted cocktails, and stunning bayside sunset views that make every meal feel like a special occasion.
At USAmenuhub.com, we make it simple to explore the Viva South Padre Island menu, organized into easy categories: Starters, Cold Bar, Salads, Mains & Entrees, Sides, and Drinks. You will also find viva SPI fan-favorite dishes, kids menu highlights, and seasonal specials — all in one place.
Full Viva South Padre Island Menu With Prices 2026
This guide is based on official menu information sourced directly from Viva’s official online menu, cross-verified with current ordering data and recent guest reviews. Whether you are planning a casual lunch date or a romantic sunset dinner at viva restaurant South Padre Island, the prices and items listed here will help you prepare for a great visit.
Starters
The starters on the Viva South Padre Island menu are bold, creative, and packed with coastal flavor. From the iconic House Guacamole topped with pomegranate seeds to the crispy, savory Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, every appetizer sets a high bar before the main course even arrives.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| House Guacamole | Avocado, lime, pomegranate, tostada | $12 |
| Crispy Brussels Sprouts | Crispy shrimp, honey sriracha glaze | $18 |
| Shishito Peppers | Pink sea salt, aioli, lime | $11 |
| Agua Chile Ribeye* | Soy ponzu, pickled onion, avocado | $24 |
| Fire Roasted Street Corn | Spicy mayo, queso fresco, cilantro | $12 |
| Spicy Calamari | Fried crispy, pickled fresno, remoulade | $16 |
| Jumbo Lump Crab Cake | Maryland-style, paprika aioli, greens | $24 |
| Sayulita Nachos | Gulf shrimp or steak, melted cheese | $18 |
| Chimichurri Rainbow Carrots | Grilled, chimichurri, lemon | $10 |
Cold Bar
The Cold Bar section of the Viva SPI menu is a refreshing highlight, especially during warm South Padre Island afternoons. You will find zesty ceviche made with fresh mahi mahi, rich yellowfin tuna tartare, and chilled Gulf shrimp served by the pound — all prepared with bright, citrus-forward flavors that taste as fresh as the ocean breeze outside.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Gulf Peel-N-Eat Shrimp | Fresh Gulf shrimp, chilled | 1/2 LB $15 / 1 LB $25 |
| Yellowfin Tuna Tartare | Fresh yellowfin, chilled prep | $20 |
| Viva Ceviche* | Mahi mahi, mango, serrano, lime | $16 |
| Yellowfin Crudo* | Mandarin orange, soy ponzu, truffle oil | $18 |
| Coctel De Camaron | Avocado, pico de gallo, cocktail sauce | $18 |
Salads
Viva’s salad selection goes well beyond the basics, offering bold flavor combinations that make each bowl a meal on its own. The Beet-Goat Cheese salad with pomegranate molasses vinaigrette is a guest favorite, and the Shaved Brussels Sprout and Green Apple Salad brings a satisfying crunch with zesty ginger vinaigrette.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Viva House Salad | Mixed greens, rainbow carrots, house vinaigrette | $10 |
| Beet-Goat Cheese | Beet, spinach, arugula, pomegranate vinaigrette | $12 |
| Shaved Brussels Sprout & Green Apple | Candied walnut, ginger vinaigrette | $12 |
| Blue Cheese Wedge | Iceberg, bacon bits, blue cheese dressing | $12 |
| Watermelon-Feta Salad | Mint, basil, radish, red wine vinaigrette | $12 |
Mains & Entrees
The entrees section is where the Viva South Padre Island menu truly shines. From flavorful signature tacos to impressive pan-grilled seafood plates, there is a dish here for every palate and preference. The Texas Red Fish and Scallops Veracruz are stand-out picks for seafood lovers, while the Ribeye Tacos and Tequila Pollo Asado keep things bold and satisfying for guests who prefer land-based mains.
Tacos
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fish Tacos | Gulf flounder, purple cabbage, spicy mayo | $16 |
| Shrimp Tacos | Gulf shrimp, avocado, jalapeño, crema | $17 |
| Ribeye Tacos | Ribeye, guacamole, pickled onion, queso | $22 |
| Pork Belly Tacos | Pickled onions, grilled pineapple, cilantro | $15 |
| Cauliflower Tacos | Pan fried cauliflower, chipotle mayo | $12 |
Seafood & Land Entrees
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Red Fish | Pan grilled, habanero puree, cilantro lime rice | $34 |
| Wild Caught Flounder | Pan grilled, lemon butter caper sauce | $26 |
| Scallops Veracruz | Colossal pan seared, spicy mango relish | $39 |
| Salmon-Shrimp | Crispy skin, grilled shrimp, orange beurre blanc | $32 |
| Shrimp De La Torre | Gulf shrimp, Spanish chorizo, white wine cream | $29 |
| Fresh Gulf Shrimp (8) | Blackened, grilled, or fried, choice of side | $26 |
| Seared Yellowfin Tuna* | Crispy Japanese fried rice, miso, chipotle mayo | $32 |
| Tequila Pollo Asado | Ancho half chicken, tequila cream sauce | $28 |
Sides
Sides on the menu are the perfect finishing touch to any plate. From the classic Cilantro Lime Rice to the indulgent Parmesan Truffle Fries, each option is simple, well-executed, and pairs beautifully with the bold entrees.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cilantro Lime Rice | Classic coastal rice side | $5 |
| Grilled Seasonal Vegetables | Fresh grilled veggie selection | $8 |
| Crispy Papas Bravas | Crispy seasoned potatoes | $8 |
| Parmesan Truffle Fries | Golden fries, truffle, parmesan | $8 |
| House Fries | Classic crispy house fries | $5 |
Drinks
Viva keeps the drinks refreshing and affordable, with a solid selection of fountain beverages and premium bottled water to complement the bold flavors on the menu.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Coke, Sprite, Coke Zero, Dr. Pepper, Lemonade, Iced Tea, Topo Chico | Classic fountain drinks | $3 |
| Acqua Panna Bottled Water | Premium still bottled water | $4 |
How to Order Viva South Padre Island Menu Online?
Viva accepts online reservations and can be reached directly for takeout or pickup orders. Here is how to plan your order or visit:
- Visit the official Viva ordering page on your phone or browser.
- Browse menu categories — Starters, Cold Bar, Salads, Mains, Sides, and Drinks are all listed with full descriptions.
- Select your items and take note of any customization options, such as fried or blackened for fish and shrimp dishes.
- Make a reservation by calling Viva directly at (956) 707-8482 — reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak hours and weekends.
- Request outdoor or waterfront seating when you call to increase your chances of a bay-view table at sunset.
- Arrive a few minutes early — the restaurant gets busy during peak dining hours and sunset slots fill up fast.
- Ask your server for off-menu specials — Viva staff are known for accommodating custom requests, including cocktails and dietary preferences not listed on the printed menu.
If you enjoy waterfront dining guides like this one, also check out the Golden Apple Buffet menu with prices for another great restaurant menu covered in full detail on USAmenuhub.
Viva South Padre Island History
Viva South Padre Island opened its doors in March 2023, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about restaurants on the Texas Gulf Coast. The restaurant was born from the vision of the same team behind Yummies, a beloved breakfast and lunch destination that had already built a loyal following among locals and visitors on South Padre Island.
The restaurant took over the space formerly occupied by the Painted Marlin Grille, transforming it into a sleek, open-air venue that blends modern design with the relaxed energy of island life. From day one, Viva distinguished itself from the typical beach eatery by offering chef-crafted dishes like the signature House Guacamole with pomegranate seeds, Gulf seafood prepared with international technique, and a thoughtfully curated cocktail menu that matched the quality of the food.
By 2025 and into 2026, Viva had firmly established its reputation as the best restaurant on South Padre Island, earning a 4.4-star rating on Google and hundreds of glowing reviews praising its food, service, and unbeatable bay views. Today, the restaurant continues to evolve its menu seasonally while maintaining the core dishes that made it famous — including its flounder fish tacos, ribeye tacos, and the beloved Shrimp De La Torre. Viva South Padre Island is now considered a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Texas coast.
Viva South Padre Island Location
Viva South Padre Island is a single-location, independent restaurant with no chain locations across the US. Here is everything you need to know about finding and visiting the one and only Viva:
Address: 202 W Whiting St, South Padre Island, TX 78597
Neighborhood: Viva sits right on the bayside waterfront of South Padre Island, steps from the Laguna Madre Bay. The location is centrally positioned on the island and easy to find whether you are coming from the Queen Isabella Causeway or cruising down Padre Blvd.
Parking: The restaurant offers a private parking lot on-site, and validated parking is available for guests. Street parking is also available nearby on Whiting St.
Transit: South Padre Island is a compact barrier island, making Viva very accessible by golf cart — a popular local transportation option. Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft also serve the island regularly.
To find Viva on the map or check real-time hours, search “Viva South Padre Island” on Google Maps or call (956) 707-8482 directly.
Viva South Padre Island Hours
Viva is open seven days a week, making it easy to plan a visit any day of your South Padre Island trip. Based on confirmed data from restaurant’s official listing, here are the current operating hours:
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
Viva South Padre Island Dining Experience – What to Expect
From the moment you arrive at Viva South Padre Island, the experience sets itself apart from anything else on the island. The open-air setting gives you unobstructed views of the Laguna Madre Bay, and on clear evenings the sunsets are absolutely breathtaking from nearly every table.
Here is what makes the viva south padre island dining experience truly special:
- Stunning bayside views that make sunset dinners feel like a postcard come to life
- Open-air atmosphere with natural coastal breezes and thoughtfully shaded tables
- Fresh Gulf seafood sourced locally, including daily catches, Gulf shrimp, and flounder prepared multiple ways
- Signature House Guacamole made tableside with avocado, pomegranate seeds, and freshly pressed tostadas — a fan-favorite starter that appears in nearly every five-star review
- Creative taco lineup spanning fish, shrimp, ribeye, pork belly, and cauliflower — all three per order and packed with bold, authentic flavor
- Full bar with handcrafted cocktails including margaritas, mimosas, and staff-recommended off-menu drinks
- Attentive, friendly service that guests consistently praise in viva south padre island reviews for being warm without being intrusive
- Dog-friendly outdoor patio that makes it easy to bring pets along for the meal
- Vegetarian-friendly options clearly labeled on the menu, including cauliflower tacos and cauliflower steak
The overall vibe at Viva is one of those rare places where the food, the view, and the service all come together at the same time — which is exactly why so many guests make it their first stop back every time they visit the island.
Viva South Padre Island Competitors
The Grouchy Gringo — A well-known casual spot on South Padre Island known for laid-back Tex-Mex and cold drinks. While The Grouchy Gringo appeals to budget-conscious visitors looking for a relaxed beach bar atmosphere, Viva SPI offers a distinctly more elevated food quality and a far more polished dining experience.
Tequila Sunset Bar and Grill — A popular waterfront bar and grill offering island staples, cold margaritas, and live music on weekends. Tequila Sunset draws a lively crowd, but Viva’s chef-driven menu, premium Gulf seafood, and refined ambiance make it the stronger choice for guests who prioritize food quality alongside the view.
Louie’s Backyard — One of South Padre Island’s most iconic restaurants, known for its scenic outdoor deck and classic seafood menu. Louie’s Backyard has a long-standing local following, but Viva’s more creative, modern menu and fresher ingredient sourcing have made it a serious competitor for the title of best restaurant on the island.
Blackbeard’s Restaurant — A family-friendly waterfront option on South Padre Island that specializes in seafood baskets, burgers, and casual eats. Blackbeard’s is a solid choice for families looking for a low-key meal, but for guests who want a more memorable culinary experience with craft cocktails and coastal flair, Viva South Padre Island is the clear step up.
Compared to all of its competitors on the island, Viva South Padre Island stands out by delivering chef-crafted coastal cuisine, an unbeatable bayside setting, and a dining experience that locals and visitors return to again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
The Viva South Padre Island is one of the most exciting and well-rounded dining options on the Texas Gulf Coast, combining the bold, zesty flavors of coastal Mexican cuisine with premium Gulf seafood and creative chef-driven entrees. From the crispy, golden Fish Tacos and the signature House Guacamole to the rich, savory Texas Red Fish and the indulgent Scallops Veracruz, the Viva South Padre Island menu gives every guest something to look forward to from the first bite to the last.
Whether you are visiting South Padre Island for a weekend getaway or you are a local looking for a dependable dinner spot with a breathtaking sunset view, Viva South Padre Island delivers a dining experience that is hard to match anywhere else on the Texas coast.
Sandra J. Depriest is a passionate food culture writer at USAMenuhub.com, where she explores the flavors, stories, and traditions behind America’s diverse dining scene. From local favorites to national chains, Sandra brings menus to life with detailed insights, historical context, and a love for authentic food experiences. Her writing bridges culinary curiosity with practical guidance, helping readers discover what to order and why it matters.
